THE North West Ambulance Service is reminding people not to take advantage of the service as it is expecting a surge of calls.

Paramedics face an increase in calls during the hot weather, particularly from those with respiratory problems.

But many of the calls are things that could be avoided, such as alcohol misuse.

Director of emergency services Derek Cartwright said: “During the summer, we traditionally see a rise in the number of cases such as assaults and falls due to alcohol misuse, accidents with barbecues, and children who go swimming in lakes and rivers.

“So we would urge people to think carefully about what they are doing.

“Our services are urgently needed by those who are seriously ill, or have life-threatening conditions, and the public can help us by not calling 999 unless it is a serious emergency, and by taking care of themselves and others.”

Mr Cartwright added: “The advice may seem straightforward, but these are the types of avoidable accidents we see every day during the hot weather, especially on long weekends such as the bank holiday next week when people have extra time off work.”